Nucleotide supplementation as a novel adjunctive therapy for canine atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an important allergic condition in dogs, and treatment is lifelong. Alternatives for therapy are important, as dogs do not respond equally to commonly used therapies. Novel therapies on the market are also costly, which limits their adoption in low and middle-income countries. Nucleotides have been shown to improve innate barrier function and were therefore tested for their efficacy in canine atopic dermatitis. Two independent mouse trials were performed. The first trial (pilot) aimed to standardize the atopic dermatitis challenge model and to perform a proof-of-concept for the use of nucleotides for the treatment of AD. The second trial expanded on the results of the first by assessing the oral use of the experimental compound. Lastly, a clinical trial was run on 27 dogs with naturally occurring AD, for 8 weeks. The mouse trials revealed that use of nucleotides diminished the dermal inflammation that is common in AD. On histopathological analyses, scores of inflammatory cells, and fibrosis in the dermis of were lower in treated mice, resulting in diminished dermal thickness. Both oral and injectable administration routes proved effective. Differently from what occurred in the dermis, epidermal thickening was not reversed by the test compound. In dogs, oral treatment reduced owner-assessed pruritus and in vet-assessed erythema. These data indicate a possible use for oral nucleotide supplementation against canine AD.